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208 channels
Indonesian television is a vibrant reflection of its vast archipelago, offering a blend of local flavor and global influence. At its heart, commercial networks like RCTI, SCTV, and Trans TV dominate viewership, but the public broadcaster TVRI still holds a significant place, especially for news and cultural programming. One simply can't talk about Indonesian TV without mentioning the *sinetron*. These long-running, often melodramatic soap operas are a national obsession, consuming primetime slots with their intricate plotlines and passionate fanbases. They're tailor-made for family viewing, a common habit where households gather around the TV after dinner, often around 7 PM. Beyond the drama, religious programming forms a crucial pillar of the broadcast landscape. With a large Muslim population, channels frequently air sermons, Islamic talk shows, and special programming for religious holidays, a genre far more prominent than in many neighboring countries. Live sports, particularly football and badminton, also command massive audiences, with commercial channels vying fiercely for broadcast rights. While Bahasa Indonesia is the dominant language across most national channels, you'll find regional content, sometimes in languages like Javanese, on local feeds, highlighting the country's linguistic diversity. Foreign content, especially popular Korean dramas, is typically dubbed into Bahasa Indonesia, ensuring broad accessibility. The emphasis on general entertainment, religious content, and a unique approach to legislative discourse on air truly sets Indonesian television apart.